Not a response to the letter, a resonse to the attitude of the letter!
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Greeks benefit campus community
Often criticized system brings valuable assets to LSU
Jason Doré
Columnist
Being Greek is not considered the best thing in many social circles. Often we are seen as hard partiers who pay to have friends. This is just the beginning of the Greek misconceptions that permeate many campuses in America. Much of the blame for this reputation lies in the Greek community. We don’t always do the smartest things, and often, our shortcomings are broadcast across the country, which defines us. We also have Hollywood defining us with great movies such as “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and even MTV’s gross depiction of Greek life in “Sorority Life.”
But, the LSU Greek System brings much more than good parties to the table. It develops leaders, forms lifelong friendships and serves the community. LSU Greeks strive for excellence in all those areas. Many students recognize and see everyday the effects Greek students make on campus.
“One of the most important things to me is that students get involved and take ownership in a specific part of LSU,” said Student Government President Darrell Broussard, who is not a member of the Greek system. “The LSU Greek system gives students that chance from the day they step on campus in every aspect from service to leadership to fellowship.”
Greek students often are some of the most involved and active students on campus. The university would have a hard time holding many events successfully without Greeks attending and working long, hard hours. For example, many different activities are held Homecoming week. A few other student organizations, such as LSU Ambassadors and the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, participate, but they are dominated by Greek attendance and effort. I never participated in Homecoming activities until after joining a Greek organization and Homecoming week was one of my favorite weeks in the school year. This is just one of the many ways students show pride in the University and their organization.
Greeks also attend workshops and seminars throughout the school year. The skills they learn are apparent in their leadership development. LSU Greeks hold numerous leadership positions on campus, varying from Student Government members to Ambassadors, to the Golden Girls and LSU club soccer players.
“For students interested in developing their leadership potential, our Greek system provides numerous leadership development opportunities,” said Kevin Price, LSU dean of students said.
Some are aware Greeks are active in philanthropic events but probably don’t know to what extent. According to the LSU Greek Report Fall 2001/Spring 2002 Executive Summary, Greeks at LSU raised and donated more than $120,000 to various charities. The Executive Summary counts LSU Greeks as performing 38,000 hours of community service during the 2001-2002 school year.
One of the most important things students receive from the LSU Greek system is fellowship. Those involved experience brotherhood and sisterhood and make friends who last their entire lives. This especially benefits those who come to college not knowing many people. Many of my best friends are in my fraternity, and many of them I never would have known if I had not gone Greek.
Hopefully, you can see the LSU Greek system is far more than an excuse to party. It’s a group full of people who strive to be their best and while they’re at it, better their university. The nearly 14 percent of LSU’s population that is Greek should be proud and not ashamed to be Greek. I hope all members of the LSU community can appreciate the Greek system for what it adds to campus life and not focus on misconceived stereotypes.
Jason Doré
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